Luxury Meets Glass Skin: Molvany’s Premium Skincare for Timeless Beauty

We’re thrilled to announce that Skin Cupid is now the exclusive UK partner for Molvany, an extraordinary Korean skincare brand that’s already become a favourite here at our London HQ! Molvany’s philosophy is all about finding harmony in imperfection and balance in imbalance, crafting skincare that nourishes from within. Their brand journey started with the launch of their LHA Cleanser in April 2022, and since then, they’ve built a thoughtful lineup of products that combine innovative, high-technology complexes, powerful natural ingredients, and quietly opulent packaging – a blend they call “Ordinary Luxury.”

What truly sets Molvany apart is their approach to ingredients. They’ve reimagined beloved K-beauty staples like Heartleaf and Centella, while also showcasing unconventional or unfamiliar superstars like Chestnut Inner Shell and Bovine Colostrum. Join us as we go deeper into the unique ingredients that define Molvany and explore how they’re redefining skincare, from the inside out!

Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Inner Shell Extract

Found in: MOLVANY Castanea Crenata Inner Shell Pore Tightening Serum, MOLVANY Hypoallergenic LHA CIS Gel Cleanser, MOLVANY Mugwort Heating Therapy Pack

What it is: An extract derived from the inner shell of the Japanese Chestnut, a species of chestnut originally native to Korea and Japan

Why you should know about it: Chestnut Inner Shell Extract, also known as Yulpi Extract or Castanea Crenata Extract, is a unique skincare ingredient that has been long used in East Asian cosmetics for its purifying, refining, and skin-strengthening benefits.

This extract is derived from the inner shell of the chestnut, which is rich in tannins – natural astringents (the same found in tea and red wine) that help tighten pores and regulate sebum production. For those with oily or combination skin, this makes Yulpi Extract a natural ally, helping to keep skin balanced, reduce excess oil, and prevent breakouts.

In addition to its pore-refining qualities, Chestnut Inner Shell Extract also offers impressive antioxidant benefits. These help shield the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage, which can lead to premature ageing. As a gentle exfoliator, it can also help slough off dead skin cells without causing irritation, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion underneath.

And this multitasking ingredient doesn’t just purify; it also fortifies the skin barrier, locking in essential moisture and improving elasticity, which minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For anyone looking to smooth, tone, and deeply nourish their skin, Chestnut Inner Shell Extract is an ingredient to look for, especially in products aimed at calming and refining the skin’s texture naturally.

DERMA-CLERA

Found in: MOLVANY Castanea Crenata Inner Shell Pore Tightening Serum

What it is: A patented complex created from the Cynanchum Atratum plant, in combination with Butylene Glycol and Water / Aqua.

Why you should know about it: DERMA-CLERA™ is a powerhouse skincare ingredient designed to soothe irritation, restore essential moisture, and fortify the skin’s barrier against moisture loss and sensitivity. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, this unique formula is extracted from Cynanchum atratum, an asclepiadaceae plant known for over 2,000 years for its healing properties. Rich in active components like steroidal glycosides, volatile oils, alkaloids, and acetophenone, Cynanchum atratum brings potent anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits to the skin.

DERMA-CLERA is preservative-free and gentle, making it especially beneficial for sensitive skin and delicate conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This ingredient isn’t just skin-deep; it reinforces the skin's natural barrier, which helps prevent moisture loss and reduces sensitivity to external irritants. DERMA-CLERA is also versatile enough for scalp care, providing relief for both skin and scalp sensitivity.

Recommended for its wound-healing properties, DERMA-CLERA actively calms the skin and promotes a more resilient, balanced complexion. Whether you’re seeking relief from irritation, looking to maintain essential hydration, or aiming to strengthen your skin’s defences, DERMA-CLERA offers a multifaceted solution rooted in both traditional and modern skincare wisdom!

Artichoke

Found in: MOLVANY Artichoke Calming Care Soothing Cream, MOLVANY Artichoke Soothing Acne Pore Toner Pad

What it is: Artichoke Extract (cream) helps skin retain moisture and builds up cell wall density for smaller-looking pores, while its antioxidant properties shield skin from free-radical damage.

BIOBENEFITY (toner): Derived from Artichoke Leaf, this highly purified extract is composed mainly of the bioactive Cynaropicrin, which has photoprotective properties and works to prevent thickened keratin layers, dry skin, and pigmentation - improving skin elasticity, brightness, and pore appearance.

Why you should know about it: Artichoke is a nutrient-rich plant featuring polyphenols, inulin, vitamins, and minerals, offering impressive health benefits. Traditionally enjoyed in Western cuisine, artichoke has gained recognition in Korean skincare for its exceptional anti-aging properties.

Research shows that artichoke extract enhances antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, protects cells from damage, and strengthens the skin’s structure by tightening cell connections. It also boosts gene activity associated with youthful skin, improving blood flow and elasticity while delaying signs of aging for radiant skin.

Clinical studies have highlighted its efficacy, revealing a 19.74% improvement in skin smoothness and an 11.45% increase in elasticity when artichoke-infused skincare was used, compared to standard creams.*

*Reference: D’Antuono I., Carola A., Sena Luigi M., Linsalata V., Cardinali A., Logrieco Antonio F., Colucci Maria G., Apone F. Artichoke Polyphenols Produce Skin Anti-Age Effects by Improving Endothelial Cell Integrity and Functionality. (2018). Molecules 2018, 23(11), 2729.